Can top label



April 19, 193s.

G.- l. CHATFIELD 2,114,465

C AN TOP LABEL Filed Feb. 7, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet ununuulffwmw April 19, 1938. G. l. CHATFIELD 2,114,465

CAN TOP LABEL Filed Feb. 7, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 vv wMJvMMAT-{ORNEYS fao Patented Ap 19, 193s UNITED STATE CAN TOP LABEL George I. Chatiield, Winchester, Mass., assignor to Lever Brothers Company, a corporation of Maine Application February 7, 1935, Serial No. 5,355

12 Claims.

This invention relates to can top labels and particularly to labels adapted to be applied to cans or other containers having an opening tool removably secured to the top or other cover 5 thereof.

Many products are placed upon the market in cans each having a top or other cover to which is removably secured an opening tool such as the familiar key type thatis applied Ato a sealing strip for tearing the latter oi to open the can. Among the products merchandised in containers of the type under consideration are various f'ood products, such' as coffee and shortening. In merchandising such products it is desirable to provide instructions with` regard to their use or recipes in which .they are employed as ingredients, because in this way, the customer benets from Y knowledge of the proper way to use the product and-"of the varied uses to which it may be put, while the fuller use of the product encouraged by such information results in increased sales to the advantage of the producer.

However, with containers of the type under consideration, it is preferable to secure the opening tool to the top cover of the can so that it is clearly visible when the customer Wishes to open the can. Consequently, the opening tool preempts the portion of the c an that is most noticeable and hence advantageous as a location for instructions or recipes as mentioned above. Further, the opening tool usually lies upon and projects above the surface of the cover and thus has heretofore rendered it impractical to apply an informative label in the desired position on the cover without detracting from theappearance of the can since the label would not ordinarily lie smoothly on the cover. Moreover, since the tool is usually secured to the can top so that it lies on and projects from the surface thereof. it presents an appearance that is not altogether pleasing. It has been impracticalto attempt to improve the appearance of the can by merely ailixing a label to the top cover over the opening Another object is to provide a label that maybe easily and quickly applied to the can top.

A further object is to provide a can top label that may be removed for preservation without tearing or otherwise impairing it.

' Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative em-l bodiments of the invention when read in conjunctionv with the appended vclaims and the ac-v companying drawings.

In carrying out the invention, to obviate the aforementioned disadvantages, there are provided several different forms of labels, all of which are characterized by being formed with a cut-out or openingadapted to be iitted over the opening tool to position the label on the cover. Ail of the different forms of labels are characterized also by being securely retained on the can cover, and further, in leaving the opening tool clearly visible, although in most instances the label is retained in place by the tool.

Figure 1 is aperspective view of a conventional type of can having an opening device removably secured to the top cover;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the can top with a label positioned thereon that is provided witha cutaway conforming to the shape of the opening tool to ilt the label -tliereoven the label being turned relatively to the tool and retained thereby;

Figure 3 shows a label somewhat similar to that of Figure 2 but which is retained on the can cover by frictional engagement of its periphery with a flange on the cover; v

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 3.

All of the remaining figures are plan views of can tops showing various forms of labels positioned thereon.

' Figures 5, 6 and 'I show labels having P-shaped, spear-shaped and T-shaped openings, respectively, adapted to be fitted over the opening-tool;

Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate labels having openings similar to but smaller than those of the labels shown in Figures 5, .6 and '7, respectively;

Figurell illustrates another position for the label shown in Figure 10;

Figures 12 and 13 show labels having slots or Anotches cut away at their edges to fit the labels over the opening tool; and 4 Figures 14 and- 15 illustrate labels having openings adapted to be fitted over the opening tool and positioned vabout the end lof. the shank thereof.

-Referring to the drawings, the numeral I0 in tra Figure 1 designates a can of conventional type that is closed by a flanged top cover I I and which is opened to .afford access to its contents on tearing away a sealing strip I2 by applying an opening tool I3 thereto. The opening tool I3 is of the familiar wire key type having a shank I4 and a head or handle portion I5, extending angularly from one end of the shank. The opening tool I3 is usually mounted centrally of the cover within the peripheral iiange I6 thereof and below the top edge of the latter. In the usual practice, the tool is removably secured to the cover by soldering, riveting, welding or otherwise detachably fastening the tool at one point thereof, as for example a attened portion I1 at the end of the shank I4.

As mentioned above, the presence of the tool I3 on the'top cover I I has heretofore produced an unfinished appearance and has resulted in introducing difiiculties to the satisfactory application of a label to this portion of the can, although the latter is an 4obviously desirable location for the presentation of advertising or instructive information.

The labels of the invention are preferably made of stiff, light cardboard 'and in the embodiments illustrated are circular in outline toY correspond with the contour of the cover I I.

lThe label 20 illustrated in Figure 2 has a cutout or opening 2i that is slightly larger than but corresponds substantially to the shape of the head and shank of tool I3 so that the opening may be fitted over thetool for positioning the label in close contact with the surface of the cover within the iiange of the latter. .In this form the end of the portion of opening 2| that iits over the shank I4 of the key is widened to form a substantially triangular slot 22 so that when positioned on the cover the label may be turned relatively to the tool for engaging imperforate portions of the label beneath the head I5 of the tool. S

The label 23, illustrated in Figure 3, is similar to that shown in Figure 2 in that the opening 24 corresponds to the shape ofthe tool and is slightly larger than the latter for fitting the label over the tool. However, the label 23 not only corresponds in outline to the contour of the cover internally of ange I6, but also is of a size to fit closely within the cover for frictionally engaging the flange I 6 to'be retained in place by the latter.

The label 25 of Figure 5 has a P-shaped opening comprising a slot 26 slightly longer than the tool and wider than the shank'thereof. At one end and side of the slot 26 a lateral extension 21 is formed providing a secondary opening slightly larger than approximately one-half the head of the tool. The label is fitted over the tool I3 by movement along the cover toward the major axis of the tool to engage the imperforate portion 28 of the label opposite extension 21 beneath one side of the head I5 of the tool, with the corresponding edge of slot 26 against the ,adjacent side of the tool. When released the label flts atly against the cover as the enlargement 21 and slot 26 fall into place over the other side of the head I5 and the shank I4 of the tool.

The label 3l) of Figure 'I has a roughly T- shaped opening comprising a slot 3| slightly wider than the shank or the tool but not quite `so long as the latter and formed at one end with lateral extensions 32 at each side providing a secondary opening smaller than the head of the tool. When the secondary opening, or cross-bar of the T, is fitted over the head I5 of the tool by being drawn downwardly thereover, the slot 3I falls about the shank I4 of the tool and the label lies flatI against the cover with an imperforate/ portion 33 above the extensions 32 engaged beneath the head of the tool.

'I'he label 34 of Figure 6 has a spear-shaped opening comprising a slot, 35 slightly wider than the shank of the tool with a triangular extension 36 the sides of which are slightly longer than the width of the head I5 of the tool. The label 34 is fitted over the tool by drawing the triangular extension 36 downwardly over the head I5 of the tool to position part of the extension 36 beneath the head I5 and engage adjacent imperforate portions 31 beneath the head of the tool. When the label is released it fits iiatly against the cover as slot 35 falls into place over the shank I4 of the tool. y

The labels 40, 4I and 42 of Figures 8 to 10 are similar to the labels 25, 34 and 30 illustrated in Figures 5 to 7 respectively, except that the slot portions 43, 44 and 45 of the openings thereof are shorter than the tool I3 or shank thereof. Consequently, when tted over the tool an imperforate portion of each of these labels, located beyond the lower end of the short slot, engages over part of the shank I4 of the tool. As a result, these labels, although retained in place by the head I5 of the tool, do not lie fiat against the can cover as in the other forms of label. However, after the enlarged parts of the apertures are i'ltted over the head of the tool, these labels may be turned through while advancing the apertures along the tool shank so that the labels will lie at against the cover and be held in place by the head and part of the shank of the tool, as indicated in Figure 11.

All of the various labels shown in the drawings may be very easily and quickly fitted over the tool and positioned in retained relation on the can cover. The labels illustrated in Figures 5 to 11- vare particularly easy to mount on the can top because of their application in a direction toward the maior axis or toward the head of the tool, if desired, these labels may be bent slightly along the lines A-A to facilitate the operation.

The labels illustrated in Figures 12 to 15 differ from those illustrated in Figures 2 to 11 as described above in that the cut-outs or openings therein which are adapted to be fitted about the tool are all considerablysmaller than the latter and do not approximate its shape.

The label 50 of Figure 12 is formed with a narrow slot 5I extending inwardly from its edge with the sides of theislot parallel to the median line of the label. Slot 5I may be cut radially or non-radially of the label, depending upon whether the tool is secured centrally of the cover or at one ing inwardly from the edge of the label at an angle to the median line of the latter. The label is slipped beneath the tool to advance the slot 56 along the shank I4 until its inner end is positioned about the cover-attached portion I1 of the tool. Then the label is turned or twisted to position itfully within the cover, where it is rev shank of the tool.

'Ihe label 60 of Figure 15 is formed with a narrow slot 6l of suicient length to slip over the head I of the tool so that 'by twisting the label the slot 6l may be advanced along the shank of the tool, as indicated by the dotted lines, until the lower end of the slot is positioned about the cover-attached portion l1 of the tool and imperforate portions of the label engaged beneath the head and part of the shank of the tool.

'I'he label 62, illustrated in Figure 14, is formed with an oval opening 65 ofY suiiicient size to nt over the head of the tool to be advanced along the shank thereof for positioning it about the cover-secured portion l1 of the tool with the label retained by the head and shank of the latter. The label 62 may be slightly bent along the line B-B to facilitate the mounting thereof.V

Openings of other shapes, such as circular or triangular openings may be employed.

If desired, thevarious labels described` above (except those of Figures 8 to 10 when mounted as illustrated) may be positioned on the coverl prior to attachment of the tool, the end of the tool being then positioned in the label aperture and fastened in place, the labels shown in Figures 1.2 to 15 being particularly adapted to this manner of application and attachment.

'I'he cut-outs or openings of the various labels illustrated in the drawings are preferably located centrally of the labels, or along the median line thereof, as this location corresponds to the usual location of the opening tool on the cover and permits the informative or advertising matter to be symmetrically disposed on the labels. However, in .cases where the tool is not secured to the cover centrally thereof, the opening in a label that passes over the tool will be correspondingly located so that the label ts easily and neatly within the anges of the cover and, preferably, is positioned centrally thereof. Small openings of the types'shown in Figures l1, 14 and 15 have certain advantages which especially commend V their use. In distributing these goods it is possible for dust and evenfinsects to accumulate under the label if the openings are unnecessarily large. Such an unsightly condition may be avoided by making the openings in the label as small yas possible. I A.

If desired, all of the different labels illustrated, in addition to the label of Figure 3, may be of l a size to t closely within the cover so that their peripheries frictionally engage the ange of the cover to be retained thereby as well as by engagement of imperforate portions of the labels with the opening tool.

It will be noted that the invention provides labels which may be readily applied to the'can top and lie smoothly thereon, which are securely I retained in place, and which donot conceal the opening tool.

The labels of the present invention may bear time to time in accordance with market conditions or-the seasonal uses of the product. It should also be noted that all of the various labels may be easily removed without tearing them by f slipping them over the opening tool before the latter is detached to open the can, and when the tool is detached first the labels fall out upon' tilting of the can and attract the attention of the consumer.

When the labels bear recipes they may be preserved for future. reference byilling them on a hook by means of the openings that fit the labels over the opening tool, or in the forms illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 by other openings 10 specially provided for this purpose.

It is to be understoodthat the term label as used herein includes multi-sheet -advertising or recipe booklets and other analogous devices such as coupons to be used to obtain premiums, in special contests, or to obtain additional advertising or instructive literature. One or more of the in order to present a pleasing appearance, it is deemed preferable-to provide 'labels having outlines corresponding to the shape of the can cover.

It is to be understood that the various forms of labels disclosed herein are merely illustrative embodiments of the invention and should not be kconsidered as limiting the latter. Many changes and variations may be made without departing from the invention, and it is desired and intended to include all such changes and variations within the scope of the appended claims.

1. In combination with a container closed by a cover having an upstanding marginal flange and an opening tool removably secured to the cover and adapted to be utilized to open the container; a iiat label conforming to the shape of the cover positioned within the marginal flange and held in place thereon by engagement of a portion of the label beneath said tool, said label being formed with an opening capable of being passed over said tool to remove the label from the cover.

2. In combination with a container havingV a side wall, andl end having an upstanding marginal a cover having a peripheral flange; an opening tool having a shank removably secured adjacent one end thereof to the cover; and a iiat label having an outline substantially conforming to the shape of the cover and formed with an opening positioned about the shank of said tool adjacent its point of attachment to said cover and having an imperforate portion engaged beneath an unsecured portion of said tool to securely mount the label on said cover within said flange. advertising messages or recipes which vary from A l flange of said cover and an imperforate portion of the label engaged beneath said tool to retain the label on said cover.

5. In combination with a container closed by a cover; an opening tool removably secured to the cover at one part thereof and having a shank and a head portion extending from the shank adjacent one end thereof; and a label formed with an opening adapted to be tted over said tool for positioning the label on said cover, said opening comprising a slot tting about at least a portion of the shank of the tool and having at one 1n end thereof an enlarged extension positioned in part beneath the head of said tool with an adjacent imperforate portion of the label engaged beneath said head to retain the label'on the cover.

6. In combination with a container closed by a cover; an opening tool removably secured to the cover at one part thereof and having a shank and head portions extending from each side of the shank adjacent one end thereof; andV a label formed with an opening adapted to be tted over Q0 said tool for positioning the label on said cover, said opening comprising a slot fitting about the shank of the tool and having at one side at least of one end thereof a lateral extension forming an opening disposed beneath part ofthe head of said 2,-, tool with an imperforate portion of said label adjacent said extension engaged beneath another part of said head to retain the label on said cover. A

'7. In combination with a container closed by a cover; an opening tool removably secured to the cover at one part thereof and having a shank and head portions extending from each side of the shank adjacent one end thereof; and a label formed with an opening adapted to be tted over said tool for positioning the label on said cover, said opening comprising a slot tting about the shank of the tool and having at each side of one end thereof a lateral extension forming an opening disposed beneath the head of said tool with 40 an imperforate portion of the label at each side of said end of said slot engaged beneath the head of said tool to retain the label on said cover.

3. In combination with a container. closed by a cover; an -opening tool removably secured tothe 45 cover at one point thereof and having a shank and head or handle portions extending from the shank adjacent one end thereof; and a label formed with an opening adapted to be fitted over said tool for positioning the label on said cover,

50 said opening comprising a slot of slightly greater width than the shank of said tool and fitting about the later, said slot having at one end thereof an. enlargement smaller than the head of said tool and partly positioned beneath the latter with an adjacent imperforate portion of the label engaged beneath the head of said tool to retain the label on the cover.

9. In combination with a container closed by a flanged cover; an opening tool removably secured to the cover centrally thereof and having a shank and a head portion extending from the shank adjacent one end thereof; and a label having an outline conforming to the contour of said cover within the flange thereof and formed withl an opening adapted to be fitted over saidtool'for positioning the label on the cover, said opening comprising a slot of slightly greater length thanl said tool and ofslightly greater width than the shank thereof with one edge of said slot disposed closely adjacent the median line of the label, said slot tting about the shank of the tool and having at one end thereof a lateral extension positioned in part beneath the head of said tool with an adjacent imperforate portion of the label engaged beneath said head to retainthe label on the cover. 10. In combination with a. container closed by a cover having an upstanding peripheral flange; an opening tool removably secured to the cover at one part thereof; and a flat label conforming to the shape of the cover having an opening adapted to be fitted over said tool on movement of the label on the cover along the major axis of said tool to position the label within said flange with an imperforate portion of the label engaged beneath an unsecured portion of said tool to ret'ain the label on the cover.

' 11. In combination with a container closed by a cover; an opening tool removably secured at one part thereof to the cover and adapted to be utilized to open the container; and a label having a portion cut away from its edge towards the 4center thereof-for' fitting the label over an unsecured portion of said tool and positioning it on said cover with an imperforate portion thereofl engaged beneath an unsecured portion of said tool to retain the label on the cover.

12. In combination with a container closed by a cover; an opening tool removably secured at one part thereof to the cover and adapted to be utilized to open the container; and a label formed with a slot extending inwardly from its edge and having the sides of said slot disposed parallel to the median line of the label for fitting it about an unsecured portion of said tool to position it on said cover with an imperforate portion of the label engaged by said tool to retainthe label on said cover.

GEORGE I. CHATF'IELD. 

